● Ecotourism Charters
Clam
Digging
Experience the joy of harvesting your own fresh clams from the pristine waters of Shinnecock Bay. Whether you're seeking a unique family adventure or planning to fill your cooler for a traditional clambake, we'll guide you to the best spots and show you the technique.
● Clam Digging Overview
What to Expect
Your clam digging adventure takes you into the shallow waters of Shinnecock Bay, where we'll anchor near productive clamming grounds. Using commercial-grade clam rakes, you'll learn the proper technique for finding and harvesting hard clams (littlenecks, cherrystones, and chowder) beneath the sandy bottom.
The experience is hands-on and accessible for all ages. We'll teach you how to read the bottom, identify productive areas, and use the rakes effectively. As you work, you'll be wading in the shallows—getting your feet wet is part of the fun. The activity typically lasts 1-2 hours, though we can extend or combine it with fishing if you'd like to make a longer day of it.
Clam digging makes an excellent addition to a fishing charter. Many of our guests choose to spend the morning fishing and then finish the day with an hour or two of clamming—for example, fishing from 7-10am followed by clamming from 10-11:30am. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: the excitement of sport fishing and the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh shellfish to take home. We'll work with tidal conditions to time everything perfectly. Create your own surf & turf experience!
On a good outing, it's not uncommon to harvest 50 or more clams—plenty for a family feast or your next backyard clambake. We keep everything on ice throughout the trip to ensure your catch stays fresh until you get home.
What’s Included
We Provide:
Commercial-grade clam rakesWaders (available if water temperatures are cool, such as early summer trips)Ice and coolers to keep your clams freshAll required permits and licensingExpert instruction on technique and regulations
You Should Bring
Appropriate clothing for the weather (layers recommended)A hoodie or jacketSunglasses and sunscreenFood and beverages for the tripTowel (you'll get wet!)A sense of adventure
We ask that you leave any specialized clamming equipment at home—we provide everything you need, and we've found our gear works best for the conditions we fish.
● Clam Digging Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
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Generally, yes—but it depends on current environmental conditions. Shellfish safety is monitored by local health departments, and harvesting can be temporarily closed due to algae blooms or water quality issues following heavy rainfall. These closures are precautionary and typically last just a few days after weather events. We stay current on all advisories and will inform you of any closures. If shellfish harvesting is closed on your scheduled date, we'll work with you to reschedule or modify your trip to focus on fishing instead.
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If no other solution is available, a full refund can be issued.
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A dedicated clam digging excursion typically runs 1-2 hours, though we're flexible based on your schedule and how successful you're being. Many guests also combine clamming with fishing—for example, fishing from 7-10am, then clamming from 10-11:30am. We can customize the itinerary to fit your group's interests and the day's tidal conditions.
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A clamming trips success depends on the effort put forth, but in time and energy. This is a hands on activity. That said, you will leave with more than enough.
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Not at all! Clam digging is perfect for first-timers and families with children. We'll teach you everything you need to know, from how to work the rake to identifying legal-size clams. The learning curve is quick, and most people get the hang of it within minutes. It's a hands-on experience that's as much about enjoying time on the water as it is about bringing home dinner.
Ready to dig in?
Contact us to book your clam digging adventure and experience one of the East End's most rewarding traditions.